ISO New England Forecasts 9 Percent Rise in Regional Electricity Demand Over Next Decade

ISO New England released its annual forecast on May 1 projecting that electricity use in New England and Maine will rise by about 9 percent over the next decade. The projection is lower than the 11 percent growth forecast issued last year. The report attributes the change in part to shifts in federal policy on climate and energy.

The organization said the forecast incorporates data on electric vehicles, heat pumps, behind-the-meter solar generation, and, for the first time, large users such as data centers.

Cate Colapietro, a spokesperson for ISO New England, said the two main factors driving growth are the electrification of heating and transportation. She noted that years of flat demand had resulted from state investments in energy efficiency. The report also includes, for the first time, estimates of behind-the-meter battery storage systems.

ISO New England oversees the wholesale electricity market and transmission flow but does not own generation or transmission assets.

Maine maintains its state-level goals for heat pump installations and electric vehicle registrations through 2030. Efficiency Maine Trust executive director Michael Stoddard said the organization has sustained rebate funding for more than a dozen years through utility contributions and regional market revenues.

Versant spokesperson Judy Long said the utility has incorporated flexibility into its grid plans submitted to the Public Utilities Commission. Long noted that the more conservative forecast should not require major revisions to those plans. Francesca Hsie of Third Way said utility bills will depend on the energy supply mix and the pace of grid investments.

She cited advanced conductors and expanded solar and wind generation as options that could moderate costs.